NITIN BORKAR
In the late 19th century, Dattaram Jaganath Sinai Borkar was a writer, educator and social reformer. Also known as Dattu Shenai, he was born on April 13, 1876 to Jaganath Sagun Sinai Borkar and Umbai Borkar (née Savordekar).
He came from the ‘New Conquest’ regions of Goa, areas administered under Portuguese systems such as the Intendência Geral das Novas Conquistas at Mardol. His father, a Panch (judge), was known for adjudicating local disputes, which influenced Borkar’s early understanding of justice and social responsibility. He received his primary education in Ponda and pursued further studies in Margao. At a time when educational opportunities were limited, he took up a position as a Kulkarni in Kusman, Quepem taluka.
Borkar placed emphasis on education as a means of social mobility. He engaged in extensive self-study and began conducting free classes at his home for both youth and adults. As early as 1898, he wrote about the importance of women’s education and taught his sister Portuguese.
As Dattu Shenai, he was invited by communities in different parts of Goa for discussions and guidance. His writings appeared in the weekly Satsang, founded in 1902 by Fondushastri Karande in Mashel. His column Juna Itihas examined historical and political themes and circulated across Goa and parts of Maharashtra.
In these writings, he drew on Hindu mythology, including the ten incarnations of Vishnu, to frame critiques of colonial rule. He used figures such as Kansa, Ravana, Bali and Hiranyakashipu as allegorical references to authority, and represented resistance through corresponding divine figures. These interpretations led to pressure from British authorities on the Portuguese administration, resulting in the closure of the Satsang press.
His work Avatarrahasya, published on December 15, 1910, compiled many of these writings. On the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary, a third edition of the work is being released. Borkar also contributed to publications such as Prabhat, edited by Dr Shirgaonkar, and Bharat, published by Pundalik Govind Hegde Desai. His column Vastusthiti Darshan, alongside Dharmanand Kosambi’s Atmanivedan, contributed to the readership of Bharat.
In the field of language, he authored Marathi Vyakaran Kutuhal, a work aimed at simplifying grammar. He also contributed over 10,000 entries to Konkani–Marathi and Konkani–Portuguese dictionaries. His writings addressed political, educational and social issues. Narsingh Chintaman Kelkar referred to him as a political commentator from Goa.
He was also involved in social reform. He permitted members of the Harijan community to gather in the courtyard of the Navdurga Temple at Borim, which challenged prevailing caste practices. He proposed the establishment of Saraswati Vidyalaya at Borim, a secondary school intended to offer instruction in Marathi, English and Portuguese. Land was identified and financial support pledged, but the project was not completed due to his early death.
Despite limited personal resources, he supported the education of students from economically weaker backgrounds. Borkar died on December 8, 1913 at the age of 37. His work, Avatarrahasya, continues to be referenced in discussions on early political writing and social reform
in Goa.
His 150th birth anniversary will be observed on Monday, April 13, at 5.30 p.m. at the Black Box, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
Editor of Navprabha, Paresh Prabhu, will deliver the keynote address on ‘Dattaram Jaganath Borkar: Life and Works’. The function will be presided over by advocate Uday Bhembre, with Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo attending as chief guest. The third edition of Avatarahasya, originally published in 1910, will be released on the occasion.
(The writer is a great grandson of
Dattaram Jaganath Borkar)
